Black Powder Rookie

[brassspike]

Hi Guys, I'm new to BP guns and trying to get started. I have a 58 cal. Zouave that was given to me several years ago. I'm interested in learning how to shoot it and do it safely.
I have shot it on one occasion with a guy that knew what he was doing but he is no longer available. I know some of the safety aspects, but could use a review.
I have five or six bullets that fit the barrel, caps, and powder loads that a reenactor gave me some time ago.
I would like to fire those off but I believe I need the proper lube for the bullet?
Can I buy bullets that are already sized or do I need to measure the bore and buy a sizer? I see that there are some companies that sell the bullets but I’m thinking that they will need to be sized to my barrel.
What powder charge do I need to use with this gun and what type of powder?
What size and type of patches do I need to clean the barrel? It’s going to be hard to get used to cleaning a gun with soap and water!!
Thanks for the help!

 

[Flash Pan Dan]

I shoot a .570 ball with .015 patch and 65 grains of 3Fg powder. It is much simpler than the whole Minnie ball thing. I have Minnie balls and have used them but I shoot the above load out to 100 yards with fantastic results and have a lot fun doing it. Also clean up is easier, in my opinion.

 

[David W.]

When I shot Minie's, I used the Lymann 577611 Improved Minie. I don't shoot them any longer because they had disagreement with my shoulder! But when I did shoot them, I used "Old Zip" from Dixie Gun Works.

I only shoot round balls now with ticking patches lubed with Ballistol.

I clean with rag material, namely old T-shirts and warm water with a couple drops of Dawn.

I finish cleaning with Ballistol, and check the barrel the next day. The patches usually come out clean as a whistle.

Hi Guys, I'm new to BP guns and trying to get started. I have a 58 cal. Zouave that was given to me several years ago. I'm interested in learning how to shoot it and do it safely.
I have shot it on one occasion with a guy that knew what he was doing but he is no longer available. I know some of the safety aspects, but could use a review.
I have five or six bullets that fit the barrel, caps, and powder loads that a reenactor gave me some time ago.
I would like to fire those off but I believe I need the proper lube for the bullet?
Can I buy bullets that are already sized or do I need to measure the bore and buy a sizer? I see that there are some companies that sell the bullets but I’m thinking that they will need to be sized to my barrel.
What powder charge do I need to use with this gun and what type of powder?
What size and type of patches do I need to clean the barrel? It’s going to be hard to get used to cleaning a gun with soap and water!!
Thanks for the help!

 

[Trot]

You don't necessarily have to size the minie bullets, if they fit down the barrel they will work but if you want consistent accuracy you will want bullets that are the proper size. They should be no more than .002 under bore size. You can try the standard .575 and .577 and may have good results. As far as lube if you don't want to get fancy you can use plain old Crisco, it is just a bit messy.

 

[GaCop]

I found I get better accuracy using a .570" round ball with a pillow ticking patch (.018") lubed with Ballistol and a felt over powder wad. My powder charge, using Triple 7 FFg, is 55 grains for a velocity of 1004 fps and 3" group at 70 yards. The three inch group is the best my old eyes can do with iron sights.

Tom

 

[brassspike]

Thanks for the replies! I'm surprised that so many are using round balls. I had planned to use mini's but might try that as well.
I'm going to try to measure the exact size of the bore tomorrow.
Then time to make an order and get going.

 

[GaCop]

Thanks for the replies! I'm surprised that so many are using round balls. I had planned to use mini's but might try that as well.
I'm going to try to measure the exact size of the bore tomorrow.
Then time to make an order and get going.

If you get well cast Minie bullets that fit your bore nicely, the rifle will shoot well. So you don't blow the skirt on the Minie', keep your powder charge around 55 to 60 grains.

With most 1861/63 Springfields, it will shoot high even at 70 yards. I solved that problem by installing a higher front sight I made myself and filed it until I got the sights regulated at 70 yards.